Inrō – small multi-part containers for seals and medicines that were attached to the belt with the help of a toggle (netsuke) – came into use in the 16th century and remained a conspicuous accessory of Japanese men’s fashion until the end of the 19th century. The symbolic, not infrequently narrative decorations provide valuable insights into Japanese culture. The inrō, which are mostly crafted in lacquer with care and attention to detail, are still very popular among collectors today.

The cabinet exhibition showed part of the Linden-Museum’s extensive Inrō collection in the East Asia department together with a large selection of netsuke.